Can schools ban the wearing of religious symbols in an effort to stop gang violence?
A ban on gang-related attire cannot restrict the wearing of religious symbols and will not be upheld where there is no evidence of disruption that justifies infringement on students’ religiously motivated symbolic speech. 81 In general, gang-related prohibitions on dress have not faired well in the Courts. 82 Indeed, they have been held to be void for vagueness in a number of circumstances. 83 Sample Scenario: Jewish Student Wearing Star of David is Suspended for Violating Dress Code In recent years, North High School has experienced a rise in student violence. Some of the fights between students have been accompanied by religious slurs. As a preventative measure, the school board passes a rule prohibiting students from wearing “religious symbols” to school. Anne, a Jewish student, is suspended for wearing a Star of David necklace. She appeals her suspension. Can the school enforce Anne’s suspension? No. The school board does not appear to have sufficient evidence to show that the viol
